'Cancer-linked' chemicals in Chipotle, Sweetgreen packaging? There's more to know, experts say - USA TODAY

'Cancer-linked' chemicals in Chipotle, Sweetgreen packaging? There's more to know, experts say - USA TODAY


'Cancer-linked' chemicals in Chipotle, Sweetgreen packaging? There's more to know, experts say - USA TODAY

Posted: 13 Aug 2019 06:21 AM PDT

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Everything about your burrito bowl from Chipotle or your salad from Sweetgreen seems earthy and health-conscious, right down to the packaging. 

But harmful chemicals may be lurking in those eco-friendly containers.

A story published last week by the New Food Economy, a non-profit newsroom that investigates food-related issues, reported the "cancer-linked" presence of PFAS, also called "forever chemicals," in the fiber bowls used at fast casual dining spots and other restaurants including Chipotle, Sweetgreen, Dig Inn and other locations in New York City.

The chemicals are being investigated by scientists and government officials amid concerns over links to cancer, obesity, reproductive health problems, immunotoxicity and other health problems. PFAS have been used in consumer goods since the 1940s, according to the Food and Drug Administration. They've also been found in water

The methodology used in the report has been questioned by the Foodservice Packaging Institute, a trade group that claims the report's chemical indicators may not always prove accurate. And Chipotle contended its fiber bowls are safe and compliant with Food and Drug Administration rules in a statement to USA TODAY.

But the potential presence of PFAS is worrisome for health and environmental concerns, according to researchers.

Why 'forever chemicals' don't go away

PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a family of man-made chemicals that contain carbon-fluorine bonds. The bonds don't break down easily, which is why PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals." 

They have been used in the production of common goods since the 1940s, according to the FDA.

And PFAS are everywhere: Drinking water, food, cookware, paints, water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products, firefighting foams and more.

Because it doesn't break down, PFAS remain present in our groundwater, soil and in human and animal bloodstreams, the FDA said in a statement.

While there is evidence that PFAS are present in many other areas of our world, people have had a strong reaction to the news about it being a part of packaging, said Caroline Cox, senior scientist at the Center for Environmental Health.

"I think people are often concerned about contaminants in their food - it's such a direct exposure," Cox told USA TODAY.

Bowls made out of waste fibers – such as wood waste and sugar cane – are made with compostability in mind. And using waste to create new disposable packaging feels like a better choice than using new plastic, Cox said.

"In order to make those dishes water and grease proof, what they did was add these PFAS chemicals to provide those functions," Cox said.

And when those bowls break down, after being in contact with food we eat, the chemicals end up in the compost, Cox said.

Lisa Marchewka is vice president of strategy at Evoqua Water Technologies, which sometimes works to remove PFAS from water. She told USA TODAY that the chemicals are even in living organisms that we eat like fish and meat.

There are nearly 5,000 chemicals in the PFAS group. Only a handful have been studied for toxicity, and the results are "very concerning," said Cox.

According to Marchewka, PFAS tend to move "through the entire ecosystem." Because such a chemical may not biodegrade, "it works its way through the entire life-cycle of anything it touches," she said.

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Should I be concerned about these containers? 

In its statement to USA TODAY, Chipotle said that it is committed "to using safe and sustainable food packaging and only partner with suppliers who make fluorochemical sciences and food safety a top priority."

Chipotle's suppliers operate under FDA guidelines and certify that all raw materials and the finished pulp products meet regulatory standards, the chain said. 

Sweetgreen and Dig Inn did not respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY.

Laura Abshire, director of food and sustainability policy at the National Restaurant Association, said that restaurants work with suppliers to ensure all packaging meets those FDA requirements.

"The Food and Drug Administration approves substances for food contact when scientific data demonstrates that substance is safe for its intended use," Abshire said.

In spite of accordance with FDA regulations, scientists are still worried about health impacts.

"There is research that shows that PFAS chemicals migrate from the dish into the food so that you are likely eating them," Cox said. She recommends people make an effort to bring their own reusable containers for the restaurant to use.

What does the FDA say?

While there has been growing concern about PFAS, its effects are still under investigation by scientists and the government.

In a June 11 statement, the FDA said it did not detect PFAS in the vast majority of foods tested in a study on foods and food packaging,

"Based on the best available current science, the FDA does not have any indication that these substances are a human health concern, in other words a food safety risk in human food, at the levels found in this limited sampling," the agency said.

Current evidence suggests accumulation in the human body of some PFAS could cause serious health conditions, according to the FDA. Their team, along with other national and local agencies, will continue to test and research.

The decline of use of PFAS in newer products is helping to stop the accumulation of PFAS in humans in the United States, the FDA said.

The science surrounding the health effects of PFAS is still murky.

"It's because there's a lot of data gaps in terms of the information about the toxicity and what amounts are toxic and stuff like that," Cox said. "It's hard to know exactly how big of a problem it is."

The Foodservice Packaging Institute noted in its release that not all PFAS chemicals are the same, and they shouldn't be treated like they are. 

"Therefore, calls to remove the entire class of these beneficial chemicals are unfounded," the group said.

Follow Morgan Hines on Twitter: @MorganEmHines.

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New Research Report on Aloe Vera Drink Market by Competitors, Type, Product, Region and Application - Chеstеr Rеgіstеr

Posted: 11 Aug 2019 01:35 PM PDT

The Aloe Vera Drink market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the on-going trends, opportunities/ high growth areas, market drivers, which would help stakeholders to device and align market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics. The Aloe Vera Drink market report thoroughly covers the market by product device, deployment, verticals and countries.

Look insights of Global Aloe Vera Drink industry market research report at https://www.pioneerreports.com/report/360005   

About Aloe Vera Drink Industry

Global Aloe Vera Drink market is projected to reach CAGR of XX% in the forecast period 2019 to 2024. The new market report contains data for historic years 2017, the base year of calculation is 2018 and the forecast period is 2019 to 2029.

The overviews, SWOT analysis and strategies of each vendor in the Aloe Vera Drink market provide understanding about the market forces and how those can be exploited to create future opportunities.

Key Players in this Aloe Vera Drink market are:–

  • Forever Living Products
    Evergreen
    Aloecorp
    Terry Lab
    Houssy
    OKF
    Aloe Farms
    Houssy Global
    ESI s.p.a.
    Grace Foods
    Forever Living Products
    Okyalo
    Simplee Aloe
    Aloe Drink For Life
    Suja Life
    Take Tory
    Savia
    Lily of the Desert
    RITA
    NOBE
    Fruit of the Earth

Get sample Copy of this Aloe Vera Drink Market Report at https://www.pioneerreports.com/request-sample/360005 

Production Analysis: SWOT analysis of major key players of Aloe Vera Drink industry based on a Strengths, Weaknesses, company's internal & external environments. …, Opportunities and Threats. . It also includes Production, Revenue, and average product price and market shares of key players. Those data are further drilled down with Manufacturing Base Distribution, Production Area and Product Type. Major points like Competitive Situation and Trends, Concentration Rate Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion which are vital information to grow/establish a business is also provided.

Application of Aloe Vera Drink Market are: 

  •   Supermarket
    Online Retailers
    Others

Product Segment Analysis of the Aloe Vera Drink Market is:


  • Conventional Aloe Vera Drink
    Diet Aloe Vera Drink

Look into Table of Content of Aloe Vera Drink Market Report at https://www.pioneerreports.com/TOC/360005

Geographically this report covers all the major manufacturers from India, China, USA, UK, and Japan. The present, past and forecast overview of Aloe Vera Drink market is represented in this report.

The report offers the market growth rate, size, and forecasts at the global level in addition as for the geographic areas: Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa. Also it analyses, roadways and provides the global market size of the main players in each region. Moreover, the report provides knowledge of the leading market players within the Aloe Vera Drink market. The industry changing factors for the market segments are explored in this report. This analysis report covers the growth factors of the worldwide market based on end-users.

Inquire for further detailed information of Aloe Vera Drink Market Report at: https://www.pioneerreports.com/pre-order/360005 

The report offers the market growth rate, size, and forecasts at the global level in addition as for the geographic areas: Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa. Also it analyses, roadways and provides the global market size of the main players in each region. Moreover, the report provides knowledge of the leading market players within the Aloe Vera Drink market. The industry changing factors for the market segments are explored in this report. This analysis report covers the growth factors of the worldwide market based on end-users.

Why should you buy Aloe Vera Drink Market Report?

  • Build business strategy by identifying the high growth and attractive Aloe Vera Drink market categories
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  • Recent Events and Developments

In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Aloe Vera Drink Market are as follows:-

  • History Year: 2013-2017
  • Base Year: 2018
  • Estimated Year: 2019
  • Forecast Year 2019 to 2024

Single User Licence Price: USD 3600

No Of Pages in Aloe Vera Drink Market Report: 181

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The 10 major U.S. cities where housing costs have increased the most - CNBC

Posted: 13 Aug 2019 07:42 AM PDT

If you want to live in a big city but have a tight budget, you may want to avoid places such as Miami and and Denver, where housing costs are rising year over year.

That's according to a recent report from Rent.com on the cost of city living, which analyzed data from the 2016 and 2017 editions of the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey, which is conducted annually by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The report looked at the change in housing costs in 22 major metropolitan areas over 12 months.

In addition to mortgages and rental costs, the BLS includes property taxes, maintenance, utilities, household products and furnishings in its definition of housing costs.

Of the areas surveyed, Miami experienced the most significant increase in housing costs between 2016 and 2017, spending an average of 8.2% more on housing over the course of the year. That can be attributed in part to the fact that mortgage costs rose faster than local wages over the same period, the Miami New Times reports.

St. Louis saw the second highest rise in housing spending with an average increase of 7.8%. That made an impact: Between 2016 to 2017, the percentage of St. Louis residents who are severely cost-burdened, meaning they spend 50% or more on housing, increased more than 2%, according to a survey from Apartment List.

Chart Asset: Changing Housing Costs 2019

Source: 2016, 2017 Consumer Expenditure Survey, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Click to enlarge

Here's the full list of the 10 U.S. cities that saw the biggest increases in housing costs between 2016 and 2017:

  1. Miami, Florida: 8.2% increase
  2. St. Louis, Missouri: 7.8% increase
  3. Denver, Colorado: 7.1% increase
  4. Boston, Massachusetts: 6.7% increase
  5. Washington D.C.: 6% increase
  6. Seattle, Washington: 5.8% increase
  7. San Francisco, California: 5.5% increase
  8. Houston, Texas: 3.9% increase
  9. Atlanta, Georgia: 3.8% increase
  10. New York, New York: 3.5% increase

However, many major cities have actually gotten cheaper. In Minneapolis, housing spending dropped 6.7% on average, followed by Baltimore with a 4.2% decrease and Chicago with a 3.7% decrease.

Regardless of location, housing costs take up a significant portion of city dwellers' paychecks. In 2017, the national average for income spent on housing was 27%, the report found. While that falls beneath the recommended 30%, it still means many are spending above what is considered financially manageable.

Residents of Los Angeles and Boston put an average of 31.8% and 30.5%, respectively, of their income toward housing in 2017, the report found. In New York City, residents spent an average of 29.6% of their income on housing, nearly exceeding the 30% mark.

Is city life worth it?

In order to afford city living, many have had to cut down on spending in other areas of life. Vacations, dining out and saving money are the top sacrifices city dwellers make, according to Rent.com's independent survey of 573 people living in one of 10 major metropolitan areas in the U.S.

Only 8% of survey respondents say they have to sacrifice nothing to afford their metropolitan lifestyle.

Expandable Chart: Sacrifices in spending to afford city life 2019

Source: Rent.com Survey of 573 Major City Residents; Click to enlarge

Is the high cost of living in a major city worth it? Just over half (55%) of survey respondents say yes. Another 30.7% say no and 14.3% are neutral. But that doesn't mean city dwellers want to stay forever: 78% of respondents say they are open to moving at some point and 12.4% say they want to move away as soon as possible. Just 9.6% say they want to stay put for the rest of their lives.

When determining whether to live in a big city or somewhere cheaper, it ultimately comes down to your circumstances and priorities. If job security or earning a higher salary are among your reasons for living in a big city, you're probably in the right place, given that cities are often considered hot spots for high-paying jobs.

But if you choose to live somewhere more affordable, you might find it easier to achieve the lifestyle you want without needing to cut back on things like entertainment or dining out.

Still weighing your options? Here's an idea of where to buy if you want to become a city-dwelling homeowner for less. And if quality of life is what you truly care about, these 10 cities are ranked highly.

Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube!

Don't miss: This chart shows how much more money men earn than women in the U.S.

Woman peers out her apartment window holding coffee cup.

Getty | lechatnoir

Global Lemon Essential Oils Market Performance and SWOT Analysis 2019 – 2025: Essential Oil of New Zealand, Biolandes and Dottera - Famous Businessman

Posted: 13 Aug 2019 04:06 AM PDT

Global Lemon Essential Oils} Market

This latest report provides a deep insight into the Global Lemon Essential Oils Market covering all its essential aspects. This ranges from macro overview of the market to micro details of the industry performance, recent trends, key market drivers and challenges, SWOT analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, value chain analysis, etc.

This report presents a detailed study of the global market for Lemon Essential Oils by evaluating the growth drivers, restraining factors, and opportunities at length. The examination of the prominent trends, driving forces, and the challenges assist the market participants and stakeholders to understand the issues they will have to face while operating in the worldwide market for Lemon Essential Oils in the long run.

The study offers the major key aspects related to industry driving factors, opportunities, challenges, market threats, restraints, new products launch, geographical analysis and competitive tactics developed by key players in the competitive market. Crucial players are analyzed Biolandes, Dottera, Essential Oil of New Zealand, Florihana Distillery, Forever Living Products International Inc., Fragrant Earth and more… along with their product portfolio, market share, and other details.

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Product Analysis:

This report provides a detailed study of given products. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis of Key Trends & advanced technologies. The Global Lemon Essential Oils (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by:

Product Type Segmentation :

* Product Type I
* Product Type II
* Product Type III

Industry Segmentation :

* Application I
* Application II
* Application III

This report forecasts revenue growth at a global, regional & country level, and provides an analysis of the market trends in each of the sub-segments from 2019 to 2025.

North America (USA., Canada, Mexico, etc.)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, etc.)

Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, etc.)

Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Nigeria, UAE, Israel, South Africa, etc.)

South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, Peru, etc.)

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Further, in the Lemon Essential Oils Market research reports, the following points are included along with an in-depth study of each point:

Production Analysis – Production of the Lemon Essential Oils is analyzed with respect to different regions, types, and applications. Here, price analysis of various Lemon Essential Oils Market key players is also covered.

Sales and Revenue Analysis – Both, sales and revenue are studied for the different regions of the Lemon Essential Oils Market. Another major aspect, price, which plays an important part in the revenue generation, is also assessed in this section for the various regions.

Supply and Consumption – In continuation with sales, this section studies supply and consumption for the Lemon Essential Oils Market. This part also sheds light on the gap between supply and consumption. Import and export figures are also given in this part.

Competitors – In this section, various Lemon Essential Oils industry leading players are studied with respect to their company profile, product portfolio, capacity, price, cost, and revenue.

Other analyses – Apart from the aforementioned information, trade and distribution analysis for the Lemon Essential Oils Market, the contact information of major manufacturers, suppliers and key consumers is also given. Also, SWOT analysis for new projects and feasibility analysis for new investment are included.

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Janet Mulcahy

Tuesday Trivia: “Three Days of Peace and Music, - Kingsport Times News

Posted: 13 Aug 2019 06:41 AM PDT

The stamp was dedicated on Aug. 8 at a First Day of Issue event held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

"Woodstock was the most famous rock festival in history," said Kevin McAdams, vice president of Delivery and Retail Operations for the U.S. Postal Service. "The Postal Service commemorates the 50th anniversary of Woodstock by issuing a festive Forever stamp as we continue to remember significant events of the '60s."

Woodstock 1969 Festival co-creators and concert producers Joel Rosenman and Michael Lang joined McAdams in the ceremony, along with Jayson Kerr Dobney of the The Metropolitan Museum of Arts.

"It's an honor and an inspiration to be commemorated by the Postal Service. The USPS Woodstock Forever Stamp is an official acknowledgment of something we have felt for 50 years: Woodstock is 'Forever,'" said Rosenman. Lang also shared his thanks to the Postal Service "for helping to deliver Peace, Love and Music."

Background

• In August 1969, approximately 500,000 people gathered for the Woodstock Festival in the small farming community of Bethel, New York.

• Promoted as "Three Days of Peace and Music," the Woodstock festival came to symbolize a generation. Performances began on Aug. 15.

• Woodstock was the most famous rock festival in history and a dramatic expression of the youth counterculture of the 1960s.

• Music business promoters and entrepreneurs — Lang, Rosenman, Artie Kornfeld and John Roberts — met and discussed the idea for a unique music festival in January 1969. To bring it about, they formed a company, Woodstock Ventures. The four producers promoted the festival as a weekend gathering of the younger generation away from the hassles of everyday life. Previous large concerts had typically attracted, on the high side, an audience of tens of thousands. But for their one-of-a-kind Woodstock festival, the promoters hoped to draw 50,000 people and, as a precaution, drew up plans to accommodate up to 100,000.

• For the audience, it was going to be three days away from civilization, which meant the promoters would have to provide campsites, food, toilets, medical care, security and other necessities for living together for the entire weekend.

• The festival featured more than 30 performers, an unprecedented assembly of musical talent. Some, such as Joan Baez; The Band; The Grateful Dead; The Who; and Blood, Sweat & Tears, were already well known. Others, including folk singer and acoustic guitarist Richie Havens, guitarist Carlos Santana and British singer Joe Cocker essentially made their national debuts. Jimi Hendrix performed an electrifying rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that became legendary.

• An Academy Award-winning documentary film by Michael Wadleigh and a popular song about the festival written by Joni Mitchell extended the communal spirit of the "Woodstock experience" to an audience of millions. Much more than just a massive outdoor concert, the Woodstock festival was a defining event that promoted peace and love through music.

• News of the stamp is being shared on social media using the hashtags #WoodstockStamps and #PeaceForeverStamps.

• The Woodstock (50th Anniversary) stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp, meaning it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Stamp Art

• The stamp art features an image of a dove along with the words "3 Days of Peace and Music," evoking the original promotional poster for the festival. In the iconic 1969 poster, designed by graphic artist Arnold Skolnick, the dove was perched on the neck of a guitar.

• In the stamp art, the words are stacked in the background in brilliant colors along with the year 1969, USA and Forever. The white dove stands in the foreground.

• Art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamp.

• Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide.

• The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operation

Source: United States Postal Service

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